This novel shows how people act and respond when power is put into their hands and how human nature will naturally take over bringing trouble. Utopia was first introduced by Sir Thomas More, a northern English Humanist, in 1516 when he defined it as "an ideal, perfect state". Although one may think utopia meaner "harmony', the reality is that utopia is "nowhere" since mankind will naturally corrupt.People tend to segregate those that re not as intellectual or as well-off as themselves.
In the novel, Animal Farm, by George Orwell, Orwell reveals his beliefs on human nature: people in power are corrupted by it, utopias are not possible, and people segregate naturally despite declaration of equality. Throughout the novel, Orwell makes it clear that power corrupts people. At the beginning of the book, Mr.. Jones' increasing control of his Manor Farm produced abuse and mistreatment of the animals by himself and his farmhands. "In past years Mr.
.Jones, although a hard master, had been a capable farmer, but of late he had fallen on evil days" (Orwell 38). As a result of Mr..
Jones' tough times, he resorted to drinking and became harsh and callous with his animals, causing them to be resentful. Jones and his men's severe actions toward the animals ultimately led to the rebellion of the farm, driving out these farmers. After the rebellion was complete, Napoleon seized leadership of the farm, molding it to fit his own evil and selfish desires. "They were all slain on the spot.And so the tale of confessions and executions went on, until there was a pile of corpses lying before Napoleon's feet and the air was heavy with the smell of blood which had been unknown there since the expulsion of Jones" (Orwell 93). Napoleon was supposed to carry out Minimalism, but evidently power corrupted him as well, as he continued to look after his own needs.
He created a totalitarian environment, bringing the farm to the same state it was in during Jones' rule. Due to the corruption on the farm, equality and harmony were unattainable.Utopia is something every governing body strives for but cannot obtain due to the nature of mankind. Prior to Napoleon's reign, there was a short period when utopia was plausible on the farm.
Old Major had a dream, consequently becoming the foundation for the animal's form of utopia, known as Minimalism. These three elaborated old Major's teaching into a complete system of thought, to which they gave the name of Minimalism" (Orwell 36). It seemed equality on the farm was budding as the animals were living and working in unity.However, this experience of harmony was short lived since the leadership was self-centered and not striving for the betterment of the farm. Napoleon and his thirst for power ruined the "apparent" state AT equality, creating stopple.
"l nerve was nothing tender now except a single Commandment. It ran: 'All Animals Are Equal But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others" (Orwell 133). Napoleon altered the original commandments in order to preserve his rule of the farm and to ensure his own well-being. This whittling down to a single commandment created a dictatorship, proving human nature does not allow a form of utopia to flourish.Even though utopia may seem possible, insuperable obstacles will stand in the way of this accomplishment. Even when there is a declaration of equality, segregation is natural.
The pigs were known to be the cleverest of all the animals and separated themselves by establishing their position of authority over the farm. "The work of teaching and organizing the others fell naturally upon the pigs, who were generally recognized as being the cleverest of the animals" (Orwell 35). Since the pigs exalted themselves above the rest of the animals, they dictated the rules on the farm.This abuse of authority led to Commandment changes and with exertion of propaganda, they brought the farm into a totalitarian state. After establishing their rule, the pigs thought themselves worthy to occupy the farmhouse, giving them a quiet space to scheme. "It was about this time that the pigs suddenly moved into the farmhouse and took up their residence there" (Orwell 79).
This act of isolation in housing and leadership allowed the pigs to discriminate, tearing apart the farm's equality piece by piece.The pigs thought so highly of themselves that they lost sight of concern for the other animals. The allegory in Animal Farm shows people in power are immoral and as a result, they segregate and dictate. Therefore, much caution should be exercised to those in an authoritative role. They must guard their actions due to the impact they have on others.
Rowel's beliefs are crystal clear that humans are naturally corrupt and corrupt any system they are involved in. Consequently, this makes utopia not possible.
